My dad left Formby to go to Boer War

WAR mementoes, more than 100 years old and saved by a doting daughter, are now featured on our Times Past pages.

Agnes Campbell got in touch to show us her father’s Second Boer War medals and his walking stick from when he joined up, almost exactly 108 years ago.

Henry Goulbourne from Watchyard Lane, together with his brother William and their friend Percy Evans, all left Formby together. They are featured on a photograph that was taken at Southport’s old Drill Hall, and given to us by Mrs Campbell. The picture also features a fourth man by the name of Holden who is thought to have lived on Halsall Lane.

Together they marched with other men from Formby through the Village before they said farewell and left for training en route to Africa.

Mrs Campbell said: “I still have the stick he brought back home, his medals, paybook and all his mementoes from when he was first sent up on January 26, 1900.

“They went to Southport Drill Hall which was pulled down some time ago. They shouldn’t have because those places are such an important part of our history. The men from Formby marched through the Village when they were going away.

“They deserve honour because they are the men that fought for our country and brought us Great Britain – and of course he was a very good father.”

l A mystery has been solved after a former Guide responded to our plea for information. Reader S. G. Mclardy had puzzled over her identity when he got in touch with the identity of some Holy Trinity guides we featured, but one or two remained nameless. Mr Mclardy, who remembers the girls from his time as a Scout, also informed us that one of the unnamed Guides had featured in the most recent Dickensian Day parade.

Julia Sutton recognised herself from this description and provided more names. She said: “That’s me, when I was in the Guides and I was also in the last Dickensian Day Parade. I can also name the little girl fourth from right, Alison Tweedy and fifth from right is Christina Harrison. I last heard that Christina was in the US. Alison is now a dentist who practices up in Carlisle.”

l If you have any old photos or have a tale for Times Past call Emma on 872 237, email newsdesk@formbytimes.co.uk or write to Formby Times, 17 Elbow Lane, Formby L37 4AD.